Autism & Pirates and Pals Voyage About This Page:

[jovigirlnj]

Hi everyone -

I was reading on another thread about this Voyage. It sounds so great but I am on the fence about trying to book it. My 2 1/2 year old has Autism and sometimes has meltdowns that you know wont stop until I remove him from the situation and calm him down in a quiet setting. Most of the time though he doesnt have meltdowns or when I see a trigger I can move his attention elsewhere.
Have any of you taken your little ones on this?? He usually doesnt mind fireworks but this will be our first trip to Disney and I am sure we will have some long hot days so I am not really sure what he will be like. I would hate to put him on a boat and if he does get upset 1) not be able to remove him and 2) ruin everyone else time.....but then again he loves being on water and boats...
Any opinions??

Thanks

[Sandra Bostwick]

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO JERSEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can see where you might have some concerns about this. I think it is nice that you are considering others who may be on the boat at the same time.

I'd take a good, honest look at the facts vs. wishful thinking.

Since I don't know your particular situation, I can't really comment on what you should do, but there are some facts about the trip you can mull over.

The Pirate and Pals Fireworks Voyage (I think it used to be called Magical Fireworks Voyage) can be pricey. At $54 for adults and over 30 for kids, that will add up if you are not sure about how it will go.

The trip lasts about an hour or so. Can your son usually manage an hour?

A big part of the Pirate trip will be A Pirate Host's trivia and songs and the story of Peter Pan. Does your son like to listen to stories? Would the songs keep him happy? (I'm guessing the songs might be a hit!) How would be be in a pretty small motor boat?

If you decide to go, pack a bag of special surprises like Koosh Balls, glow toys, and anything he likes. When he gets antsy pull another new surprise out of the bag. That might keep him occupied if he starts to get antsy. I see kids play with happy meal toys for an hour, as if they've discovered something amazing. You can wrap the surprises in special paper, hide them in putty, and come up with fun ways to open them. If you don't need them on the journey, you can open them back at the hotel.

If your son likes old favorites, you can bring a bag of his most-loved toys.

Whatever you decide, I sure do hope your trip is magical. There will be other years to sail if you decide to pass on this year!

[jovigirlnj]

Thanks for responding. I have called and spoke to a CM and decided not to do it.
It doesnt even start unti 8:45 which I never even really took into consideration that is starts an hour or so before wishes. Its one thing if we are out late at a park and everyone is doing fine to hang around for wishes but you are right. It is costly and would cost us almost $300 to go then if he or any of my other kids are having an off night, cranky, tired, etc it would make for a unpleasant time for all.
We will still have a magical time without it...and I wont have to stress over it now - lol..

Thanks!!

PS And your right - we can always try it when the kids are a bit older

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by jovigirlnj

Thanks!!

PS And your right - we can always try it when the kids are a bit older

You are welcome! Isn't it great that Disney has CMs on call to discuss these things with you?

Every single Disney trip, I tell myself that there will be another trip. It is the only way I can relax and walk out the gates the last day.

Did we answer all your questions?

[jovigirlnj]

Yes you answered everything!! Thank you - Its so nice to know I can post here and get a honest and nice response!!

[mechurchlady]

I would suggest you rent a boat such as a small speed boat for half an hour or so and then if he has a meltdown you could return it. In time you could build his skills so that he can handle longer cruises. I do not have access to my database right now but they used to have canoes, sailboats and pontoon boats also

The first 3 to 5 years is mainly for the family enjoyment and not for the kid to make memories. Put a kid in a shopping cart or on a tire swing and they are as happy as having ridden a ride at the parks. There are some tricks to help lessen meltdowns such as keeping the active brain off of negative things like how long a line is or picking at wallpaper. Kids have busy little minds so give them toys, games, nibbling treats, and music to keep them busy in a positive way. I have seen in the park enough NT tantrums ot make an NV meltdown seem small.